New England

December, 2011
Regional Report

Shows & Events

Stewardship of the Urban Landscape
The Vermont Urban and Community Forestry Program is offering an eight-week course called Stewardship of the Urban Landscape (SOUL), designed for those interested in understanding trees and their proper care and becoming part of a local, knowledgeable, and organized cohort committed to improving the economic, social, and environmental quality of their community through trees. Topics covered include tree biology, planting, and pruning, as well as town forest management, forestry planning tools, public speaking and presentations, working effectively at the local level, and more. The course will meet on Wednesdays, February 15- April 4, from 6-9 pm and for hands-on classes on three Saturdays, February 11, March 10, and May 12. Classes will be offered at eleven sites across Vermont. Cost is $80 for registration by December 30, $100 by January 20, and $120 thereafter. For more information, see the course brochure at http://www.uvm.edu/extension/environment/pdfs/soulbrochure2011.pdf or contact Kate Forrer, SOUL Program Coordinator, at (802)223-2389 X 210 or soul.treesteward@uvm.edu.

Tool or Gardening Product

Portable Potting Tray
Gardening indoors, whether it's repotting houseplants or starting seeds early for the spring vegetable garden, is fun -- but messy! That's why one of my favorite pieces of equipment is my portable potting tray. Made of sturdy but lightweight plastic and measuring about 2 feet square, with 6 inch raised sides with a cut-away front for access, it corrals potting soil, water, pruned off plant parts -- whatever you don't want all over the tabletop or floor. I even use it for catching all the seeds, strings, and pumpkin pieces when I carve my Halloween jack-o-lantern! My tray came from Gardener's Supply (www.gardeners.com) years ago, but it is not listed currently in their on-line catalog. The Greenhouse Catalog, an on-line source at http://www.greenhousecatalog.com/product/portable-potting-tray/pots-and-containers, lists one similar to mine for for $14.95.